- Vacation location in Michigan:   Grand Haven, Michigan, an idyllic fishing and recreational and camping town on the shores of Lake Michigan--the stroll along the boardwalk to the historic lighthouse is breathtaking. The evening sunset is spectacular! And there's nothing better than the soft, soothing sands along the beach!

- Appetizer:  the barbeque meatballs at Win Schulers in Marshall, Michigan--melt in your mouth. Four generations of family members have been operating this historic restaurant since 1909. First class service and exceptional food are just some of the reasons this epicurean delight has withstood the strains of a changing economy.

- Hotel:  The Ritz-Carlton (Dearborn) ambience and personal attention are the hallmarks. The Ladies and Gentlemen of the hotel as they are called provide some of the best guest service on the planet! And having won the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award twice separates this prestigious hotel from the other wanna-bes.

- White bean chili soup: Kirby Grill in Grand Haven--soup so good your knees will buckle when you taste it.

- Summer vacation:  Mackinac Island with lunch at The Grand Hotel. The Hotel boasts the world's longest porch. No cars allowed on the Island just horse drawn carriages. The aroma of fudge and equine droppings fill the air but travel there in June for the lilac festival for a nostril treat!

- Pizza: Buddy's in Detroit

- Amusement Park:  the Michigan Adventure Park in Muskegon takes high honors and a ride on the roller coaster Shivering Timbers is spectacular. Over 60 rides and attractions and a spectacular water park with 20 wild water rides.

- Michigan restaurant:  The 1913 Room at the Amway Grand Plaza in Grand Rapids. This is the only AAA Five Diamond restaurant in our state and the service and the menu selections are first class. In 2008 it won that distinction for the seventh time.

- Canoe trip:   the White River in Montague, Michigan. The site of blue heron taking flight, ducks swimming frantically away and startled deer racing through the grass and the occasional muskrat swimming in the river provide memories that will last a lifetime.

- Golf course:  Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville, Michigan. Panoramic views of northern Michigan foliage and firs and well manicured fairways.

- Romantic getaway:  the Betsie Bay Inn in Frankfort, Michigan. Rooms are outfitted with hot tubs, saunas, canopy beds, and wood burning stoves. Perfect getaway for married couples and if you weren't married when you arrived, you will be when you leave!

- Snack:  the Pronto Pup Stand in Grand Haven has been delighting hot dog aficionados for over 60 years. Grab a couple of doggies and then stroll along the boardwalk. And then settle in for the Musical Fountain at dusk along the Grand River.

The inn boasts the largest known remaining collection of Habitant Log Furniture in the world, with new pieces continually being constructed and added by the present owner. Stay in one of eight outdoors-themed rooms, and forget your worries in this pristine environment across from Grand Lake. Every morning brings a delicious homemade breakfast.

Guests can relax by the massive fireplace or watch for loons and osprey from the porch. You can also visit the Old and New Presque Isle Lighthouses, Presque Isle Harbor, Besser Natural Area and Thompson’s Harbor State Park, among other local attractions.

When you're in the mood for a romantic getaway with something extra, check into the Ludington Historic Bed and Breakfast Inns' special event weekends. Eight independent bed and breakfasts, from a Victorian "painted lady" to a lumber baron's home, share an imaginative schedule of planned activities.

Love lighthouses? Hooked on geocaching? Gotta dance? One- or two-day itineraries cater to those interests and more, from golf to elk-viewing on horseback. Just make a reservation at the bed and breakfast of your choice from the list below, and they'll provide all of the details.

• Ludington Historic Bed and Breakfast Association 
• Abbey Lynn Inn 
• Ludington House 
• The Inn at Ludington 
• Lamplighter Bed and Breakfast 
• Cartier Mansion Bed and Breakfast 
• Candlelite Inn Bed and Breakfast 
• Sunburst Inn 

For a complete list of inns and bed-n-breakfasts in Michigan, click here.